One of the blessings of the Christmas season is people’s openness to talk about Jesus. In my experience, it’s one of the best times of the year in terms of tender hearts and responsiveness to gospel invitations in the community.
Each year, our church choir and orchestra present a Christmas musical production to which we invite our community. It requires thousands of hours of volunteer labor, but it’s beyond worth it. At the musical, I always preach the gospel and invite guests to receive Christ as their Saviour—to receive the gift of salvation.
This year, our musical is actually titled “The Gift.” As I reflected on this title, it reminded me of three things:
1. The Gift Is Precious
To reflect for even a few minutes on the incarnation of Christ and His sacrifice in coming to earth and then dying for our sin is incredible. That God would clothe Himself in human flesh and bear our sins in His own body is amazing. And then to realize that the salvation He purchased is a gift? Paul had it right: it is an unspeakably valuable gift.
Thanks be unto God for his unspeakable gift.—2 Corinthians 9:15
2. The Gift Must Be Delivered
We who know the Lord have the privilege and responsibility to tell others about the gift of salvation. We cannot possess something this valuable and not tell others.
Furthermore, we must tell others personally. It is not enough to be around other people who share the gospel. You and I must personally tell others about Christ—through preaching and through personal soulwinning.
According to the glorious gospel of the blessed God, which was committed to my trust.—1 Timothy 1:11
3. The Emphasis in Delivery Must Be on the Gift
The gift is the gospel. It is Emmanuel—God with us. It is the death, the burial, and the resurrection of Jesus.
How we give this gift is the wrapping. It may be a conversation started with a neighbor after delivering Christmas cookies. It may be a gospel tract on someone’s doorstep. It may be the music before preaching at church. It may be the preaching itself.
Regardless of the wrapping, however, we must remember that the purpose of the wrapping is only to package the gift—not to overshadow it.
I think the longer we serve the Lord, the easier it becomes for us to focus on how we present Christ, rather than simply presenting Him.
As you present the gift of the gospel this season, remember not to allow yourself to get so taken with the wrapping that you forget the Gift!
For the Jews require a sign, and the Greeks seek after wisdom: But we preach Christ crucified, unto the Jews a stumblingblock, and unto the Greeks foolishness; But unto them which are called, both Jews and Greeks, Christ the power of God, and the wisdom of God.—1 Corinthians 1:22–24
